Keywords:
MR, Conventional radiography, Musculoskeletal joint, Extremities, Diagnostic procedure, Developmental disease
Authors:
F. D. Figueiredo1, R. Lameiras2, S. F. A. F. Duarte3, V. Mascarenhas4, A. M. Gaspar5; 1Almada/PT, 2Amadora/PT, 3Setubal/PT, 4Lisbon/PT, 5LISBOA/PT
DOI:
10.26044/essr2019/P-0098
Conclusion
Osteochondrosis is a disturbance of endochondral ossification that has been documented in various epiphyses and epiphyseal equivalents.
The exact pathogenesis is not yet completely understood,
the most accepted causative factors being vascular and overuse injuries because of repetitive microtrauma to the immature skeleton.
Symptoms vary according to the affected site,
but mostly involve pain that exacerbates with physical activity.
Cases generally have a self-limiting course,
with a good overall prognosis.
Non-operative conservative treatment is typically recommended,
consisting of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
physical therapy,
ice,
and activity modification.
Surgery is indicated only if conservative treatment fails,
either to alleviate symptoms or to reduce late disability.
Casts and braces can be employed to immobilize affected joints and/or redirect aberrant mechanical forces.
Radiographs remain the primary diagnostic modality,
even though findings may initially be normal or non-specific.
MRI plays a substantial role in the earlier stages of disease,
being able to identify bone marrow edema,
as well as chondral and subchondral lesions.
It is also useful to rule out other causes of bone pain,
such as infectious or inflammatory conditions.
It is necessary to understand the key imaging features to provide an accurate diagnosis and start proper treatment.